Dexter, Missouri - Susan Cox was recently diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called Transverse Myelitis. A Valentine Gala benefit will be held in her honor on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at Dexter's Wesley Hall at the First United Methodist Church.
It's been nearly four months ago since Susan's life changed. She began feeling discomfort on her right side, then it affected her legs and by the afternoon she was in the hospital in Cape Girardeau looking for answers. Doug, Susan's husband decided to head to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis where they spent a number of days confirming the rare condition.
Many of you know Susan's husband, Doug, works for the city of Dexter, but spends countless hours serving up delicious BBQ at many fundraisers and events locally.
Once the diagnosis was confirmed, they decided to go the best hospital in the country who has doctors known to be the "the pioneers" of Transverse Myelitis aka TM. They traveled to John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore and doctors there agreed Susan had TM.
TM is defined as a rare neurological condition in which the spinal cord is inflamed. This inflammation can be caused by an infection, immune system disorder or damage to nerve fibers.
Cox was left without feeling from the middle of her body to her toes and has now undergone intense physical therapy. Ironically she works at Select Physical Therapy in Dexter and has been employed there for 20 years. She has been utilizing her therapy each and every day to the point she is able to stand, walk, and even maneuver without a walker.
The damage is done and will not heel according to her doctors; however she is determined to continue working and helping others. Both her and her husband are known in the community as ones who help others first.
With all the medical and travel expenses, friends have decided to help the Cox family with a Valentine's Gala Benefit. Tickets for the event are available at Gregory's Two East in downtown Dexter and are $25 each. Finger foods and beverages will be served beginning at 6:30 p.m. with musical entertainment provided by local artists. Maggie Thorn Arlan Taylor, Mary Ruth Boone, and Jansen Williams will perform.
A silent auction will also take place and donations will be gladly accepted at Gregory's.
For additional information contact Gregory's Two East at (573) 624-4554. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Dexter, Missouri - An official Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was held at the newly established Xtreme Body Spa located at 221 N. Walnut Street.
The Spa offers haircuts, massages, waxing, eyelash services, nail service, facials, and tanning services.
Xtreme Body Spa is open six days a week from 9 a.m. - until 9 p.m. every day, but sunday.
The building also houses Dearly Loved Boutique.
Pictured from left to right are Cecil Haley with Southern Bank, Alderman Jerry Corder, Dearly Loved Boutique Owner Caitlin Koenig, Alisha Allen of Dearly Loved Boutique, Nail Technician Mikela Brown, Services Technician Bethany Rice, Owner and Operator Lisa Tucker, and her husband, Tom. Also present were Chamber members and directors, as well as Chamber Executive Director Hillary Starnes.
Dexter, Missouri - Lieutenant Joshua T. Benton of the Dexter Police Department accepted a donation of $250 from local Walmart Super Center manager Debbie Juden.
The Walmart donation will be utilized to help upgrade and refurbish body cameras currently in use by the police department.
"We are very appreciative of the donation," commented Benton.
Bernie, Missouri - Owen, Elliot, and Adryan are the 2018 Bernie Parents as Teachers Students of the Month.
They are the sons of Chris and Alysa Costin.
Owen Jayce Lewis is four years old and enjoys playing with his brothers, listening to his mom read to him, learning new things, and helping take care of his baby brother.
Elliot Riley Lewis is two years old and really looks up to his older brother. He enjoys dressing up as superheroes, playing outside, and being mischievous.
Adryan James Costin is eight months old and loves to play with his toys, smile, and giggle at everyone and everything. Adryan is currently working on crawling.
Owen, Elliot, and Adryan all enjoy spending time with their oldest brother, Corben, who attends Bernie preschool and is also shown in the photo.
The family's favorite parts of participating in Parents As Teachers is watching the boys enjoy and interact with the new activities they're given and getting to show the new and exciting things they've learned since their last visit with their Parent Educator.
If you would like to know more about Parents as Teachers contact Courtney McGarity or Casey Arnold at 573-293-5335, ext 293 or find them on Facebook by clicking HERE.
The following information was taken directly from the Parent as Teachers Missouri website. For more information click HERE.
Our Vision
All children will learn, grow and develop to realize their full potential.
Our Mission
To provide the information, support and encouragement parents need to help their children develop optimally during the crucial early years of life.
Our Values
The early years of a child's life are critical for optimal development and provide the foundation for success in school and in life.
Parents are their children's first and most influential teachers.
Established and emerging research should be the foundation of parent education and family support curricula, training, materials and services.
All young children and their families deserve the same opportunities to succeed, regardless of any demographic, geographic or economic considerations.
An understanding and appreciation of the history and traditions of diverse cultures is essential in serving families.
History
In 1981, Missouri pioneered the concept of helping parents embrace their important role as their child's first and best teacher. Today, Parents as Teachers continues to equip early childhood organizations and professionals with information and tools that are relevantᾢand widely applicableᾢto today's parents, families and children.
The Parents as Teachers leadership team and Board of Directors is engaged in a three-year strategic plan, which positions the organization as a valued partner to support the organizations and professionals who serve families and children, especially those most vulnerable.
The concept for Parents as Teachers was developed in the 1970s when Missouri educators noted that children were beginning kindergarten with varying levels of school readiness. Research showed that greater parent involvement is a critical link in the child's development of learning skills, including reading and writing.
Early childhood professionals suggested that a program to provide early detection of developmental delays and health issues, and parent education to help parents understand their role in encouraging their child's development from the beginning could help improve school readiness and parent involvement.
With funding from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and The Danforth Foundation, Parents as Teachers began in 1981 in Missouri as a pilot project for first-time parents of newborns. Recognizing the program's benefits and cost effectiveness, the Missouri legislature provided state funding in 1985 to implement Parents as Teachers programs in all Missouri school districts. Since 1985, Parents as Teachers has expanded to all 50 states and six other countries.
